How Kerala's Digital Pulse Beats for Some, But Not All

In the heart of Kerala, India, a digital battle is unfolding.

The Challenge

• Conservative Muslim voices are using YouTube to spread messages against LGBTQ+ rights.
• This isn't just about opinions. It's a structured way of thinking.
• They take religious beliefs and present them as scientific facts.
• They paint LGBTQ+ identities as a big danger.
• All this started after India made same-sex relationships legal in 2018.

Their Method

These speakers use a four-step method:

1. Claim moral and religious certainty.
2. Stir up fear among the public.
3. Use science to back their religious views.
4. Point to government policies as proof of a so-called "gender ideology" threat.

This is all done to exclude LGBTQ+ people from society.

The Fight Back

But it's not all bad news. Queer Muslims are fighting back.

• They use the same digital platforms to build supportive communities.
• They create new, accepting theologies.
• This is their "architecture of resilience".
• It's a way to stand strong against the negative messages.

The Study

The study looks at 15 Malayalam-language videos.

• It shows how digital platforms can be used to spread exclusionary ideas.
• But it also shows how the same platforms can be used for good.
• It's a reminder that the internet is a powerful tool.
• It can be used to divide or unite.